Christmas fun!

Its been such a long time since I have blogged, so hopefully all will go well.

This year 4 of the 5 children will be home for a visit during the Christmas season. Part of the time I didn't know who was coming, or who was going. It was a busy revolving door, but great fun. The real challenge was having to work full time while Brent & Randi were here which didn't leave much time to spend together.

Monday night the 21st we had the family together for dinner, gifts, and gingerbread houses, all crammed into a 3 hour spot. Grama DeRoest came over to join us, since that was the best time for her to see all the kids.

Tuesday night we had all the kids, but also the in-laws over for dinner, scripture reading of the birth of our Savior, then to close with singing Christmas carols. It was a great way to feel the spirit, and set the tone for the week.

Zack Donkin is back from his mission

Zack Donkin got back from his mission in Buenos Airs South Argentina on November 24, 2009. Just in time to spend Thanksgiving with his family. I wasn't able to go to the air port to welcome him in but I made sure his parents took some pictures for me. I was however pleased to hear from him that night. He called while I was still at work and I had to call him back later but man did I work hard to get everything done fast so I could talk to him.
He came down to visit me the next day. We are a little more grown up now but it felt like no time had passed at all when we got to finally see each other again. It is a little hard having an hour commute to see one another but we do it at least once a week now.

Family time & jumpers

Hi there,
What's going on this week?
Last Friday we got to see Anthony & about 5 other pjs jump. We were told we could sit in the jeep. Ethan had fun seeing the helicopters while we waited. He handled the interrupted nap well, for a while anyway. Sadly we had to do the same thing on Saturday in order to work our date in to many other events. A worthy cause, but after a couple days of us waking him up (both morning & afternoon) he had a very hard time to put it mildly. Needless to say when it's within our control, nothing messes up his schedule. period.
Daddy made Ethan extra handsome for my talk on Sunday. They matched-minus the vest- Ethan was more than happy to take off his cute clothes, once we were home, and change. (: Last night he enjoyed playing in a small fort. He really wanted mommy & daddy to sit in it with him..since we're not miniature people like he is, we stuck our heads through the door.
Things stay busy here, lots to juggle, lots of running around. We're looking forward to our family time this next week. Enjoy a wonderful, happy Thanksgiving.
love
Chelsea

Parachutes & Halloween

Hi there, How are you? I had forgotten that I took these pics last week. Things have been a bit crazy--though that's typical. Anthony's chief retired from the AF so we went to see a large group jump (60 total if I remember) on Thursday. Ethan had fun watching the plane & then trying to spot the jumpers. It was nice to see Anthony during the day & be invited to the event.

After a ton of browsing & comparing we decided to have a cute, ferocious lion for Halloween. (: Ethan had fun (after a meltdown w/ the eyeliner) at the trunk or treat with our combined wards. The turnout was great & costumes were fun to see. Ethan got to see friends about 5 or 6 times this week (plus lots of v.t. appts with mommy) so we're thrilled he's happy in nursery again. He put up a good fight for a couple months.

During the lion face drama, I suggested we draw a nose on ourselves. I had Anthony stamp his nose on Ethan's & then we had to pin him (nice, I know) to draw the whiskers. He was happy in the end, though the nose lasted maybe 3 minutes. Glad we took these right away..It was a fun night with ward friends.

We love you,
Anthony, Chelsea & Ethan

Enjoying fall

How are things lately?
This last week has gone well even with some extra things added to our days. Ethan enjoyed a couple sweet Halloween packages (ok, we did too). He got to be outside with daddy for part of the yard overhaul.
On Sunday Anthony spoke in Sacrament & did a wonderful job. It was spiritual as well as funny--and emotional of course for those listening. I enjoyed teaching a primary class for the day. As I looked around there were only a few of us (and a ton of kids). Not knowing how many rows this class sat in, I thought I had anywhere from 5-10. I was surprised to have a few (a relief since they do so much better participating when there are less!).

Ethan & I had to pick up some things at the mall last Friday and saw fire safety shows/tours. He saw other kids & cool new things so we stopped of course. I convinced him to get in the fire engine with a group of kids. He was happy to, and leery once he realized I wasn't joining him. You can't tell from the picture but the area was full of a preschool class.









This morning we had awesome weather so we went to Mckey park. We've liked the other side with the bridges lately. Yesterday he & I went 'downtown' to register the car (and re-register the truck). We'd had expired tags for a while--oopsies. Can't say it crossed my mind these last 2 months w/ preparing for my hubby's return, going away as a fam a couple times & then getting back into 'normal life.' All is well, we're kept busy with our many responsibilities & work. We enjoy uninterrupted time together whenever we're able. We love & miss you,
Chelsea and fam

Happy Birthday from your baby boys!

Happy Birthday Momma!!!
We hope you're enjoying a wonderful birthday. It's your day, so be sure to relax & do something to celebrate. We are grateful for your example, love, sacrifice & daily efforts. You are a great blessing to all around you. Enjoy these memories, past, present & those to come.
We love & miss you,
Anthony, Chelsea & Ethan

Our time away

This week we enjoyed some time away in FL. We were really anticipating being in the Temple together after so much time passing. We also wanted to see the sights & take Ethan to Sea World. Since we had gone last year (on the hottest day of the year by the way) we were much better prepared. Going with Ethan also makes you more aware of the details. He got to see stingrays, penguins, a few shows, and other exhibits. He came home with a turtle of course- Crush. The different pics with daddy are from the different shows. Each was impressive & the pirate show (sea lions) was hilarious. Very funny people & great entertainment for any crowd. That evening we went by the Temple and were (thankfully) hooked up with a sitter for the following day so we could go through together. Though I'd made calls the weeks leading up to this, nothing was working out as time got closer. Between the Temple President (one of Anthony's mission Presidents) & some local ward members, we were well covered. Whew. We told Ethan we were going to Jesus' house. When we pulled into the gate he said "We're home! We're home!" What a cute, sweet, smart little boy...if I do say so myself.
Since our trip we've unloaded, unpacked & taken care of typical things at home & out.
Have a safe & happy week. Love, Chelsea & fam